NQS Mission 2: Components, systems and architectures
- Funding
- Up to £2,560,000
- Deadline
- 24 November 2026
- Location
- England
- Applications
- Deadline: 24 November 2026
Overview
The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) fund UK research under NQS Mission 2: Components, Systems and Architectures. Applications close on 24 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time, and the window opened on 29 September 2026. Only UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding can apply. Applications go through the UKRI Funding Service, not Je-S. It does ask for work that makes significant progress towards the aims of NQS Mission 2 and recognises the quantum network landscape and the future quantum internet. Project leads can lead on one application only. Research offices submit the finished form. Institutions do not need to provide matched funding beyond the standard 20% FEC.
Requirements to check
Who can apply:
Key requirements:
- EPSRC funds 80% of the full economic cost, which can be up to £2.56 million
- Projects must last no more than 33 months and start by 31 May 2027
- At least one relevant project partner is expected unless you give a clear justification
- Funded projects must engage actively with the Mission 2 Coordination Network
- Extra reporting, monitoring and evaluation requirements apply to funded projects
- PhD studentships cannot be included in costs sought from EPSRC
Who it is for
- UK research organisations eligible for EPSRC funding
- Project leads named on no more than one application
- Project co-leads, who can sit on as many applications as they like
- Teams that list international collaborators and non-approved UK partners as project partners
Who it is not for
- Applications that include a Norway-based international project co-lead
- Uninvited resubmissions of projects already sent to UKRI or another funder
- Applications submitted through Je-S
- Applications submitted after 4:00pm UK time on 24 November 2026
You must be based at a UK research organisation that is eligible for EPSRC funding. UKRI individual eligibility rules apply. You can be named as project lead on no more than one application, but you can be project co-lead on as many as you like. Applications cannot include a Norway-based international project co-lead. List international collaborators, and UK partners not at approved organisations, as project partners. Uninvited resubmissions of projects already sent to UKRI or any other funder are not accepted.
This summary may not include every exclusion. Check the full eligibility rules, including who and what the funder will not support.
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Start freeWho is this for?
UK-based researchers at EPSRC-eligible research organisations who want to lead ambitious projects on quantum networking components, systems and architectures, ideally with partners from industry, government or the wider quantum community.
Regions
Full details from Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC)
Apply for funding to advance research supporting the UK National Quantum Strategy Mission 2, strengthening UK leadership in quantum networking and communications and the future quantum internet.You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding.
How to apply
Apply through the UKRI Funding Service, not Je-S. The project lead selects 'Start application', confirms their role, signs in or creates an account, and answers the questions online. Send the finished application to your research office, which checks it and submits it to UKRI. Only the lead research organisation can submit.
Frequently asked questions
When is the NQS Mission 2 deadline?
EPSRC must receive your application by 24 November 2026 at 4:00pm UK time. You will not be able to apply after this time.
How do I apply to NQS Mission 2: Components, Systems and Architectures?
Use the UKRI Funding Service, not Je-S. The project lead completes the form, then sends it to the research office, which submits it to UKRI.
Do I need matched funding for the NQS Mission 2 grant?
No. There is no requirement for matched funding from host institutions beyond the standard 20% FEC. Contributions from third party project partners are encouraged.
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Create free accountLast updated: 9 November 2026